Why is this place called Peckwater Estate? It is a question many ask while wandering through this residential area. The Peckwater Estate in London offers more than just housing. Its name has an interesting story rooted in history.
The Peckwater Estate is a public housing area. It is managed by the London Borough of Camden. The estate provides homes for many residents. But let’s dive into the origins of its name.
The name Peckwater connects to Christ Church, Oxford University. The university owned land in this area. Within Christ Church, there is a quadrangle called Peckwater Quadrangle. This quadrangle lends its name to Peckwater Street and, eventually, the Peckwater Estate.
The Peckwater Quadrangle gets its name from the Peckwater family. This family once ran an inn on the site. In 1246, the inn was gifted to St Frideswide Priory. This priory was the predecessor to Christ Church.
Cardinal Wolsey dissolved the priory in the 16th century. He transformed it into Cardinal’s College. Later, Henry VIII took over and renamed it Christ Church. So, the Peckwater family’s inn played a part in naming a famous quadrangle.
The street names around here tell tales of landowners and historical figures. Frideswide Place and Wolsey Mews are nearby. They also connect to Christ Church and Cardinal Wolsey. These names remind us of the area’s historical ties.
One of the housing blocks within the Peckwater Estate is called The Forties. This refers to the forty sections of land in the area. A survey in 1649 mentions “Fortie Acre”. This acre was near Maiden Lane, now York Way.
Kentish Town itself has a name with old origins. It comes from the river “ken-ditch”. This means “bed of a waterway”. Anglers Lane is another example of local history. It refers to the River Fleet which is now underground.
The Peckwater Estate saw difficult times during the Second World War. The bombing of Peckwater Street is remembered in local stories. A novel set in the 1940s, “Tomorrow’s Past,” describes this event. It movingly portrays the devastation.
The Peckwater Estate stands as a testament to the past. It links a London housing estate to Oxford University. It connects it to the Peckwater family and centuries of history. As you walk around, remember the layers of history beneath your feet. The name “Peckwater” carries stories of inns, priories, and families.